The man sits alone in his rich apartment in New York City. He's morose, lost. His wife has left him. If you were a friend of his, you'd go and spend some time with him, have a few drinks. Listen to some music. Try to cheer him up. Some of his friends did. It started a night of terror. Hello, creeps. This is T4Y, opening the doors of the Mystery Playhouse. Our story tonight is from the pen of the master mystery writer, William Irish. The author needs no introduction. All of you who died in the war, mystery fans, are familiar with hard writing, fast moving William Irish tales. Our story begins in the lobby of the New York Apartments building. Two men and a woman have just entered. They're raucous and cheerful. Obviously out for a night of fun. Hey, it's a nice apartment building, huh? Hey, so a turner must have a lot of cash to live in a place like this, huh Jack? Oh yes, more than most I guess. Here's the elevator, Vinnie. Hey, self-service, let me push the button. First floor, Lady Carmen Summer dresses lingerie. I'll take lingerie. Vinnie, Vinnie, when you get there, take it easy, huh? Like I told you, this is done as a nice guy. Well, what's he like, Jack, this joker we're doing a good turn for? Oh, he's a good-natured character. Right now the big thing is his wife, Eleanor, leaving him. I haven't seen him smile since she pulled out on him. And Marty, yeah, but remember, don't make any cracks about his wife Eleanor. Leave him alone, will you? I got you. I hope he's home. Oh, hello, Guy. Hello, Jack. Eleanor. Hiya, Guy, meet Vinnie Benson. Oh, it's dark in the hall. I thought you were my wife. Oh, that's okay. Hope we're not disturbing you, Guy. No, no, come in, come in. Oh, thanks. Go ahead, Vinnie. Hey, sure is a nice apartment, shows good taste. Sit down, I'll fix you a drink. Oh, Guy, you don't have to. We only want to... No, I'd like to, honestly. What'll it be, there's some whiskey, I think. Still have some of that good brandy that Eleanor liked so much. What'll it be, Jack? Okay, whiskey, Guy, in plain water. I've always been kind of hot for brandy. Sure, Marty? Well, I think I'll try the brandy too, if you don't mind. Not at all. Oh, well. Guy, we thought maybe you'd like to go out with us and hear some music later. Well, I don't know, I kind of figured I'd stay home tonight, Jack. Hey, you mind if I get something on the radio? Not at all, go ahead. You're sure it's all right, Guy? I mean, we're not disturbing you. Sure, Jack, I'd tell you if it were. Well, come on, drink up. Hey, you don't want to stop, do you, Vinnie? Oh, yeah, you're wearing me out. Well, but it's fun, and I'm just getting going. See, one of these days, your heart's going to say the heck with all this and flank out on you. Well, that's what happens when I drink whiskey. I can't help it, I get going and I can't stop it. Hey, why don't you try a shot of this? It'll slow you down. Well, what is it? Oh, never mind that, just try it. It's kind of recurve. All right, now, just a minute. Maybe you'd better not, Marty, he's had enough. Come on, Guy, take it. You only live once. It'll just slow you down, after all. Okay, if that's all it does. Hey, where'd Vinnie go? I want to dance. Oh, look what I found. Well, well, well, Vinnie, what is it? Well, look, it's a picture of Guy's wife. Two Guy with more than love now and forever, Eleanor. Guy says I look like her. I don't think she's so hot myself. What are you doing? Put that down. All right, don't get sore. I'll touch it again, please. Uh, look, why don't we all make tracks downtown? Maybe we can still catch some music, huh? Well, it's kind of late for that, ain't it? Hey, I know where we can go, Jack. You mean where Sixty-Fift? Hmm. Will they let us in? Sure, they know me there. Come on, let's go, huh? Hey, you're kind of crowded tonight, ain't you, Al? Well, you won't be lonely. Still wearing a gun, hey, Al? Well, maybe if the cops was a little more friendly, I wouldn't have to. Oh, the latest model, too, a.32 caliber. Bang, you're dead. Hey, Mr. Dan. Oh, come on, I don't bite. You mean you, guys? Uh-oh. Okay, sure. Don't go away, Jack. Okay. Marty. Yeah? Look, don't give him any more to drink. I don't like the way he's come off it. Oh, the little fart. Now listen, kid, he's in bad shape. Oh, he's in bad shape. It's his funeral. I'm hungry. Well, the kitchen's out this way. Hey, Jack. Yeah? Why don't you get the drinks while I fix some eats, huh? Okay. Oh, Marty, where'd you go? I've been looking for you for hours. Oh, I've been making some sandwiches. Here, have some. No, no. Go ahead, have some. No, thanks, thanks. Why'd you go away and leave me so long? Hey, they're playing that song again. That's our song. It belongs to Eleanor and me. I told them what I'd do if they played it again. I told them not to play it again. Hello, you boys. We're Jack. Eleanor. Hello, what are you doing here? Oh, Marty, isn't he hot? Say, look pal, don't you remember me? Hello, what are you doing in a place like this? Same thing as you are, handsome. And don't call me Eleanor. You've changed. You never used to be like this, Eleanor. Do you come here often? Only when the going gets slow. Oh, hey there, Jack. Hey, Jack, let's make like the sound of an elephant. Oh, hey, Jack, let's make like the sound of an elephant. Eleanor, come back. Eleanor, come back. Marty, Eleanor ran away from me. Why is she running away like that? Help me catch her, Marty. Come on, just let me finish making this dance. Oh, Marty, please. All right, OK, I'm done. Here, you better take this along. Sure, you mean business, you know? Oh, what is it? Just a kitchen knife. Sure, you're not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, I'm not kidding. Oh, you're not kidding. Yeah. Yeah, OK, come on. Just start looking. I'll be right with you. Eleanor, Eleanor. Eleanor, where'd you go? Please come back. Excuse me, have you seen Eleanor? Hey, watch it, buddy. You're messing up traffic. I'm looking for Eleanor. My wife, she was here just a minute ago. There she is. Eleanor. Hiya, handsome. Eleanor, they're playing our song. We've got to get away from here. We don't belong here, Eleanor. Oh, but I like it here. I said we're leaving. Oh, here's Jack. I want to dance with Jack. You're leaving? Oh, you're leaving? Oh, you're leaving? Oh, come on, Jack. Good for a while. Oh, come on, Jack, let's dance. No, Eleanor, not for our song. That's why I want to dance. No, you're not going. Get your hands off me. Let your hands off me. No. Ow. Oh, we stabbed her. Oh, no. Jack, why'd you do it? Buddy, Jack, help. Help. Oh, you're all right. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, you're all right. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, I'm fine. The blood. He stabbed her, Guy. It's blood. It's blood. She's not my wife. He's not Eleanor. A hot stop. Jack, help me get her to a couch. I don't need it. Let me out of here. Al, stop him. Stop him, Al. Come on, Marty, we've got to get him. You get him. Al, Al, why didn't you stop him? Stop him. Hey, he snatched my gun out of my house, you're not supposed to stop him. Listen, I want to live a while yet. Well, I'd better get after him. I'd better get the police after him. Get the cops after him. Stop. Oh, I want to go. Don't say the word, buddy. I'd better get after him. I'd better get the police after him. Do you have a telephone here? In the back. Hotel Commonwealth. Mrs. Guy Turner, quickly please. We have no one here by that name. Eleanor Turner, I'm positive she's registered now. I'm sorry, we have no one here by that name. Try it under Eleanor Phillips, I'm sure she's there. Phillips room 304, I'll ring it for you. There doesn't seem to be any answers. Keep ringing, she's got to be in. Yes, sir. I'll answer Eleanor, please. Please answer Eleanor. Eleanor, cops left him in the door. What should I do Eleanor? You have to come after me. He's coming after me. I've never used a gun before, what should I do? He's coming after me. Putting a hand in his pocket. He's looking for a gun. No! Take it easy, sonny, you'll hurt yourself. You killed him. You killed him. He was looking for his gun. But he only wanted to call his wife. His wife is sick. He calls you every night. He was looking for his gun. He was only getting a nickel for the phone. I've got to get out of here. I've got to get out of here. The police. I must call the police. Hello. I'll be there. I'll be there. Please deposit five cents for the next five minutes. Your time is up. Look lady, I'm from the headquarters. Now just give it to me slow and easy now. How is this guy dressed, lady? Was he blonde with a gray shirt? Yes, yes, and he was rumpled. Did he? Did he have on a black tie? Yes, a black tie. Does that sound like the guy that was at the party with you? Yeah, that's him all right. No, if only we could have hit him off. Still right now, brother. Good night, man. I had a wonderful time. Call me when you get home and I'll let you know about tomorrow. Good night. Eleanor. Hello, guy. Come out of the way. What's the matter, guy? You look so scared. Nothing. I mean, I have to talk to you. I kept calling you but... Of course, guy. Come on up for a few minutes. No, I can't do nothing. I think... There's a back injury. Oh, darling, it's God. Looks like you need some black coffee again. Down this alley over here, there's a back entrance and a service elevator. Down here, guy. Is he getting on side? How are you afraid of this time, guy? I'm here. I won't be afraid. Someone may be following. Why should anyone be following you? Besides, the alley's empty. No one here gives it up, you saw it. Here, take my hand. Guy, what are you doing with the gun? It's all right, guy. We're safe in here. You sure? I'll leave you a gun. Let me look in the closet. Look under the bed, cute. It'll help you any. Sit down, guy. I've never seen you so upset. Relax for a minute. Where are you going? Just to put my coat away. Take it off in here. Of course, guy. Now, what is it? I know it tonight, but I trust you not to give me away. Guy, that could all be real. But I'll be at your mercy after I told you I'll be wide open. Then maybe you better not tell. No, I've got to. All right. Tell me then, guy. You can trust me. You know that. I don't know what. I killed a girl over in a place where I was. Are you sure, guy? I saw them pick her up. They said so. I saw the blood. I had the knife in my hand. I didn't mean to. Well, why don't you say something? I guess I wasn't counting on anything like that. Pretty bad guy, but the only thing to do is to go back. You didn't know. You don't understand. There was a second one. A policeman in a candy store. He came in and I did that one on purpose. Guy, what's the trouble with this? It's not 50, I don't think, but you don't think. They said it was kind of record. It slows everything down. Guy, don't paint the floor like that. Sit down in there. Who was the man in the cab with you? He'll be coming back. He'll be coming up here. No, no, he won't. Don't you want to lie down for a while, guy? You seem tired. It'll help wear it off. What are you reaching for? What are you doing? I saw your hand go out. I just wanted to figure that guy. Here they are, right down here. See them? You're standing near the door and you were a moment ago. Sit all the way over here. I won't move, I promise. Don't, Guy. Don't look at me like that. You're afraid of me. You're afraid of me because... I don't have any choice the way you're acting. Please, Guy. Lie down for a few minutes. Try closing your eyes for just a minute and listen. Give me a chance. Give me a chance to go down to the lobby. I won't move. I'll sit beside you. You can hold my hand. I'll tie my wrists to yours. Who is it? I won't know, Guy, until I answer. Don't touch it. Keep your hands still. I saw it move. Probably Matt. The man you saw bring me home. He knows I'm here. If I don't answer, Guy, you'll know something's wrong. It'll be worse than if I do. I won't say anything, Guy. I'll tell him I'm in bed. I'll ask him not to bother me. Go ahead. Get rid of him. Hello? Hello? Please, hello? He hung up. What are you crying for? Please, Guy. Please, this is useless. I think you're out. Please don't look at me like that! I'm hungry. I can have some sandwiches sent up from the drug store. They toast them. Put lots of mayonnaise on them. I'll call them. I haven't eaten for two days. Dad, I haven't eaten since Tuesday, since before I went to that place. How do I know you won't get me away? You'll hear me. You'll be right here beside me while I call. What about when he comes up? I'll have him leave it at the door outside. On the floor. I won't let him in. I'm hungry. Don't hold the pen in my cheek like that. I can't talk. Drug store. Good evening. This is Miss Phillips. Will you send up two sandwiches, please? Double deckers. Toasted with lots of mayonnaise and coffee in a container, just like the other night. What's the matter, Miss Phillips? Can't you get to sleep again? Want some of that sleeping stuff again? A lot. A lot of mayonnaise. Thank you. How do I know who you were talking to? That you heard me. How long will it take to get up here? About five minutes. We'll see. If it doesn't show up in five minutes, I know you put something over on me. You can't spend your time anywhere. You said Tuesday was two nights ago. It's still only Tuesday night. You won't be able to tell Guy. He's being frightened. He just found the sandwiches while you're looking so white and frightened. Let me call him back and tell him to hurry. Don't touch that phone. There's a fool that let you the first time. Look at the clock. It's twenty-five past four. What's the clock for heaven's sake, Guy? Let me have a cigarette, please. Cash me one yourself if you won't let me. Here. Lend it yourself. I will. Your pacing doesn't help any. It's taking a long time. It's taking more than five minutes. This coffee maker may be out of order. He may have gotten off on the wrong floor. Any little thing might... You didn't come for old service. You dialed the police. They're probably on their way right here now. You heard me. I can't remember what I heard anymore. I can't think straight. You know it. You're trying to take advantage of me. You're just trying to get me along. I know how they close in on someone they're after. They sneak up and surround the place first. That's what's taking them so long. It's over half hour already. Isn't it? It's only four minutes. Look at the clock. You set it back when I wasn't looking. It was a long time ago you called down. Our song? I have it here. Let me play it, please. Hey, you're just stalling. Remember that first Christmas in New Hampshire? The tree we put up? Those long hikes we took in the snow? Remember how we left this record on for hours? It's only six minutes, God. Guy... Guy put the gun away. Don't look like that guy. It's our song. Why did you have to get me away? I only wanted to hide out here until they figured out about me. Why'd you have to phone and tell them where they could find me? I told you. Why'd you have to phone and tell them where they could find me? I didn't phone the police, Guy. I only want to be left in peace. I only want to be married and left in peace. Let me marry Matt, please. Now I'm sure you told them. Only six and a half minutes. Not there. Helen and Dawn, I... I didn't mean it. Don't die, please. I was next up. I thought... Eleanor. Eleanor. Well, how's that for quick services, Philip? Mayonnaise and all. Oh, God. Get in here. Get in all the way. Sure. I know a gun when I see one. Okay, I'm in. Where to? I don't know. That closet over there. Okay, okay. I'm going. Just quit shaking like that. You'll set that gun off by mistake. Who is it? You know, we're just opening the door. No. Hey, fellas, open the door. This is the police. Please, they're after me. Hey, fellas, way back. No, back entrance. Not here. There isn't. It's the window. Sure, it's only 14 stories per street. You're lying. I'm lying. Get out of the way. It's your funeral, mister. It's a ledge. Sure, you got a good six inches. Maybe six and a half. Turner, stop it. Come back. Don't come near me. You're crazy, Tony. You'll be killed if you go out there. I'm going. He ain't kidding. Don't be a fool, Turner. The way he is, he'll never keep us balanced. Turner. Now, look. I have no gun. Come back in and we'll talk it over. We'll make a deal. Leave me alone. Okay, Turner, I'm coming out after you. What are you trying to be, a sucker or a hero? Come on, Turner. The fight is over. It's your life. Now, give me your hand. I'll help you back in. Don't come any closer. Now, look. Be sensible, will you? 14 stories down. Now, let's get in off this ledge before we both fall. Right here. Give me your hand. I'm telling you, don't touch me. Let go. Turner, you fool. Don't fight me. You'll knock us both off. Let go. Turner, stop it. Turner, look out. Ah. Hello? Yeah, this is Vinnie. Oh, Mamie. Hello. How are you, dearie? Oh, I was out in the party with Jack and Marty. Yeah. And did Marty and I pull a swell joke and a guy? Laugh, I thought I'd die. Well, this guy Turner was high as a kite, see? And Marty gave him a knife, and this Turner makes a grab at me. So I make like I'm stabbed and squeeze ketchup between my fingers. Oh, he was so scared, he just ran right out. Sure. Sure, the next time I see him, I'm going to tell him about the ketchup. Oh, boy, I'll bet you'll laugh his head off. Ha, ha, ha. That was one of the new William Irish stories heard on your mystery playhouse. One of the best mysteries T4 wise heard in many moons. Now we have some news for you. First, we've gotten a wire from Peter Laurie, my host. He broke the lease on the cage he was living in and expects to be back within the next two weeks. Secondly, we've lined up a few friends for you. Fyla Vance is going to drop in and Ellery Queen is coming back. The rest of the creeps will remain the same. Now it's getting early again. It's T4Y closing the doors of the mystery playhouse and saying good night. Sleep tight. This is the Armed Forces radio service. heated from sound
